Just Bitten

So I never did indulge in DuWop's Twilight Lip Venom, though I blogged about it in June 2009. When I came across Revlon's version Just Bitten I was tempted enough to partake (though perhaps that may be attributed to the fact that DuWop's version was $16 while I scored a vial of Just Bitten in Plum Wicked at a reduced price of $3.19). My lips are ripening as I blog. We shall see if the alchemy transcends....

Who Are Pioneers?

The pioneers we honor and pay tribute to on Pioneer Day are those who first left the comfort of their established homes in civilization and trekked to the desolate area that is modern-day Utah to escape religious persecution and obtain the freedom of religious expression that was one of the founding principles of this great nation. They braved much and sacrificed much to cause this desert to blossom into the thriving communities found today. They sacrificed everything they had to worship how they pleased. They experienced physical challenges they could have never imagined. They left their homes, their loved ones, and all of their personal belongings. The pioneers were followers of Jesus Christ.

The days of the pioneers are not past. Modern-day followers of Jesus Christ are pioneers, too. A pioneer is one that goes before, showing others the way to follow. Pioneers stand up for what they believe to be right, despite being looked down upon and made fun of. Pioneers sacrifice for freedom of religion. Pioneers face unimaginable challenges. Pioneers follow Jesus Christ.

Learn more.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2rV0ey6Op0

Take a virtual discovery tour to see some of the achievements of the early pioneers.

http://www.thisistheplace.org/virtualtour/monument.html

Pioneer Day 2009

We celebrated Pioneer Day by watching the parade on television in the glorious air-conditioning. Lame, I know. But for some reason it was all about the parade for Sean this year. Royalty, government officials, marching bands, covered wagons, and floats. Dasha enjoyed some Snap-Its. The dogs hated the fireworks.

One Small Step...Or is it One Giant Leap?

Yes, I am officially one year older in age. 40. Whatever.

What Color Is My Birthday?

My Birthday is Cream

I am the competitive type. I am not a sore loser, but I do find winning exhilarating. I am cheerful and tenacious. Not only do I believe in hard work... I love it. I am the type of person who makes friends easily, but it's harder for me to fall in love.

Family Night

"Now here are the blessings promised by a prophet of God for those who will hold weekly (family) home evenings: 'If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home...will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.'" Ezra Taft Benson as quoted by L. Tom Perry

Goal: Block out one evening a week and make family night a priority where the Spirit is invited to dwell.

How Spontaneous Are You?

I Am Somewhat Spontaneous
My life is pretty structured day to day, but I'm not afraid to take a risk every once in awhile. I know when enough is enough, but I also know when it's time to throw caution to the wind.

So ... are you spontaneous? Find out now by taking this quiz: http://www.eversave.com/common/dynamicflows/POLL_Spontaneous-PollFlow2462.jsp?ref=325881411&zip=84074&sourceid=47877

What’s Your Wifestyle?

	I am The Negotiator
	For you, relationships are all about give and take. You can handle life's little ups and downs, no problem. In fact you think they're part of what makes life fun. You're easygoing and never a diva - a great partner. Take this annoying quiz to find out your wifestyle: http://www.eversave.com/common/dynamicflows/POLL_Whats_your_wife_style-PollFlow2834.jsp?ref=325881411&zip=84074&sourceid=47877

Plentiful Praise

"Praise your children more than you correct them. Praise them for even their smallest achievement." Ezra Taft Benson

Goal: Praise

My interior design style is...

Hey there - Sproost says my interior design style is:
50% French Eclectic
25% Hollywood Couture
25% Classic

My specific style combines three more general styles:

50% French Eclectic

25% Hollywood Couture

25% Classic

French Eclectic

Parlez-vous français? Oui, oui!! I just wish my home did, too! French Country, like its name, somehow manages to both be formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. I like my spaces to feel inviting from the moment I (or my guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after I've entered my most formal room. Even though there are French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." My love of antiques should lead me to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.

Materials

The materials and pieces I am drawn to play on the mix of formal and casual. Many of the pieces look like they were passed down from my great-great-aunt (even if they are brand new!) and I managed to upholster them in a way that made that piece both then and now. Much of the furniture is wood-framed and the wood is either left natural (hey there rustic!), painted white (hey there country!) or even gold (hello refinement!). And many times there is a strong mixture of all of these. I find myself leaning much more towards the "country" side of things and away from the Parisian side, so - drop the gold details and replace them with wrought iron.

Colors

When it comes to color, I am drawn to bright and airy options. Thoughts of the French countryside are key - warm colors such as yellows, reds and oranges hinting at fields of gold. But the nice thing about French Eclectic is I can just as easily go in the opposite direction: pale blues and greens hinting at acres of lavender fields and expansive blue skies.

Space Planning

When I think about laying out my French Eclectic room the key is to invite people in and encourage them to stay. So furniture should be grouped nicely to encourage intimate conversation and the main pieces should be comfortable in both look and feel. There should be plenty of places to set drinks, prop feet and lean back. And yet the functionality of these pieces doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't beautiful antiques or replicas.

...yeah, I wish....

Take the quiz to discover your personal style.

http://www.sproost.com/
(cut and paste into your web browser or click sproost in my list of links).

If We Were Stick Figures

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day wishes to you all. There is so much to appreciate about this great nation. Let us all work to preserve the liberties our forefathers fought for and the freedoms that so many sacrifice so much to protect.

Simply Smile

"Smiling is good for the soul. Smiling brings a glow to our countenances that radiates to others." James E. Faust

Goal: Smile

How YOU Doin'?

So here we are smack dab in the middle of 2009. Time for a little accountability. How are you doing on your resolutions for this year? Do you even remember what they are? Vaguely? Hopefully, you have great progress to report. Me, not so much.

I've been feeling the guilt lately as my blog header states that this blog's purpose is to document my journey toward a more peaceful and happier home. Huh. Haven't been doin' none o' that.

Perhaps it's time to start. No more procrastinating the creation of my more beautiful and happier home! Won't you join me? I special ordered this book at one of my favorite bookstores Latter-Day Books in Tooele, Utah USA. But it is also available at Deseret Book and Seagull Book and probably many other fine booksellers.

This great book that is a workbook of sorts entitled Walking Into a Hug: 52 Weeks to a Home That's More Embracing by Janene Eustach. Each week for 52 weeks the author issues a challenge to follow for the week and a journal page to record how the week went and what changes you noticed.

I am hoping you will join me in broadening your parenting skills. Each week I will post a suggested goal and hope to see lots of comments about what happens when you implement the suggestion. Here's to improving our families! Tune in tomorrow for the first installment...........

Happy 17th Birthday, Luba!

It hardly seems possible that Luba is already 17 years old. Happy Birthday, Luba! I luba you!!!